JC mayor: Candidate's ideas already village programs

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Johnson City, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Johnson City Mayor Greg Deemie agrees with his opponent this November, that blight is an issue. But, Deemie says the ideas proposed by Democratic mayoral candidate Barrett Esworthy are already in operation in the village.

One example is the Home Improvement Property Exemption Program, which gives property owners a break on their assessment if they maintain their property.

A revitalization program for Main Street is working to clean up downtown and draw more people to the village.

Esworthy said at a press conference Tuesday that code inspectors should know every time a tenant moves in or out.

The village has bi-annual inspections, and Deemie says there are already mandates for landlords to keep local officials updated.

"According to code, if a landlord does rent an apartment they're supposed to notify code so code can come look at it," Deemie said. "It's up to the landlord to notify them if they have an apartment open."

"I'm working with Binghamton to possibly consolidate the fire department to see if that will help with our tax base somewhat. So we're always looking for ways to help the taxpayer the best we can," Deemie said.

As far as his campaign for the election, he says it's difficult as mayor to campaign with his schedule, but has plans for more in news conferences in the future.